Ocean Optics S1024DW Install - Manual (Page 52)

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Optical Fiber Assemblies
Ocean Optics offers an extensive line of optical fibers and accessories -- including patch cords, bifurcated
assemblies, bushings, and splitters -- for a variety of UV-VIS and VIS-NIR applications. All optical fibers
couple easily via SMA terminations to our miniature fiber optic spectrometers, lights sources and sampling
optics. Ocean Optics optical fibers offer great flexibility, both in the literal sense (by transporting light
around corners, for example) and in the way fiber-based systems are constructed (by linking light sources
and sampling optics, for example, to create an optical interface to the spectrometer). Optical fibers allow
the user to easily convert the optical interface from one set-up to another -- absorbance, reflectance and
emission are the three basic options -- to create an almost endless variety of optical-sensing systems.
These silica-core and silica-clad optical fibers are optimized for the UV-VIS (200-750 nm) or VIS-NIR
(450-1000 nm). Standard assemblies are 2 meters in length, and are available in sizes ranging from 8
µ
m to
1000 µ m in diameter. Custom options include optical fibers with solarization-resistance properties (for
applications <260 nm), and in lengths other than 2 meters.
Caution!
" " " " When fibers break, they stop transmitting light. Inspect fibers by eye to determine if light is being
transmitted. Be sure to use a visible light source when inspecting fibers.
" " " " Do not coil the fiber too tightly. The maximum sustained bend radius of a 400 µm fiber is 10 cm.
Bending the fiber will cause attenuation. To minimize this effect, add extra strain relief to both ends of
the fiber.
" " " "
Do not exceed the temperature specifications for the materials involved: 200 0 C for the fiber, 100 0 C for
PVC cabling, 100 0 C for standard epoxy.
" " " " Do not allow the fiber to be bent at a sharp angle. A bending radius of less than one inch is dangerous.
" " " " Keep connectors and probe tips covered when the fibers are not being used.
" " " " Clean the ends of the fibers with lens paper and distilled water, alcohol, or acetone. Avoid scratching
the surface.
" " " " Do not immerse fiber ends in caustic materials or other solutions that can damage quartz or aluminum.
Operation
Patch Cords
Patch cords are single strands of optical fiber. The active part consists of a silica core, surrounded by a
silica cladding material. The fiber is very fragile, and if not protected by a suitable buffer material, would
be nearly useless for most applications. The buffer materials are polymer coatings that provide mechanical
strength, either polyimide or Teflon. Cabling further protects the buffer-coated fiber. Our standard
laboratory cabling is blue PVC. Other cabling that is available includes stainless steel monocoil. The ends
of the fibers are cleaved, epoxied into the connectors, and polished.
Bifurcated Assemblies and Splitters
Bifurcated assemblies and splitters allow you to route light from 1 location to 2 locations, or to collect light
from 2 locations and combine the output into 1 location. The assemblies are shaped like a “Y” with a stainless
steel breakout located midway from the ends of the fibers. The common end of bifurcated assemblies has 2
fibers positioned side by side. The spatial difference between the two fibers may be important in your
application. If this difference matters, then a splitter is required. The common end of a bifurcated fiber can be
coupled to a larger diameter single fiber with a splice bushing to create a functional splitter.